Fall Injuries Hip Fractures
Most Pelvis and Hip Fractures are Due to Neglect
Many of the falls and related injuries such as pelvis or hip fractures occur when a resident is vulnerable and left without the proper supervision or assistance. The injuries are common from things that may be normally done without much risk such as getting in or out of bed, transfer from a wheelchair to bed, improper use of patient lifts, falls in showers and off toilets.
Since hip and femur fractures are very serious and limit the amount of mobility of the patient they unfortunately can lead to other problems such as bed sores due to a lack of mobility or aggravation to the respiratory system or other problems that can lead to death.
Nursing Home Hip Fractures are Preventable
There are regulations with minimum standards designed to provide guidance to nursing homes with the hopes of reducing and/or preventing fractures as a result of falls in nursing homes. Pursuant to 42 CFR 483.25, which states in Subd. (d) Accidents. The facility must ensure that—
(1) The resident environment remains as free of accident hazards as is possible; and
(2) Each resident receives adequate supervision and assistance devices to prevent accidents.
Information About Fractures to the Pelvis and Hip
According to the CDC, one of the most serious fall injuries is a broken hip. It is hard to recover from a hip fracture and afterward many people are not able to live on their own. As the U.S. population gets older, the number of hip fractures is likely to go up.
- Each year over 300,000 older people—those 65 and older—are hospitalized for hip fractures.
- More than 95% of hip fractures are caused by falling, usually by falling sideways.
- Women experience three-quarters of all hip fractures.
- Women fall more often than men.
- Women more often have osteoporosis, a disease that weakens bones and makes them more likely to break.
- The chances of breaking your hip go up as you get older.
The Center for Disease Control, CDC offers a brochure on fall prevention for older adults.
In my experience the most neglect and the resulting injuries to residents in nursing homes is preventable. Injuries from falls are common and can be very serious. It is essential that staff is trained to assess fall risks, prevent falls through the use of interventions and supervision. The organization Minnesota Falls Prevention has information and resources on how to avoid falls.
Minnesota Elder Abuse Attorney Kenneth LaBore
If you are concerned about any type of fall in a nursing home, assisted living or other care facility in Minnesota which leads to fractures of the pelvis, hip, femur, head injury, or other fall injuries contact Attorney Kenneth LaBore for a free consultation at 612-743-9048 or toll free at 1-888-452-6589 or by email at KLaBore@MNnursinghomeneglect.com. There is no fee unless recovery by verdict or settlement with wrongdoer.